Each March, the Minns Labor Government recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions women make to our community with the NSW Women of the Year Awards, inspiring and empowering future generations to achieve great things.
The Awards are also a culmination of NSW Women's Week - when we encourage women to take part in a week of exciting activities and events across the state that aim to uplift, as well as advance gender equality.
Nominations open
Nominations for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open.
The awards program, now in its 14th year, aims to recognise and celebrate incredible women who improve the lives of people in New South Wales.
The Awards are seeking nomination of women and girls excelling in the following categories:
- NSW Premier's Woman of Excellence
- NSW Community Hero
- NSW Young Woman of the Year (aged 16-30)
- NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
- NSW Regional Woman of the Year
Young girls aged 7-15 who show acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help support those around them can also be nominated in the Ones-to-Watch award category by parents, carers and teachers.
The NSW Government's Women of the Year Awards will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.
To nominate an exceptional woman in your life or community, visit the NSW Women of the Year Awards web page. Nominations close Tuesday 9 September.
Apply for Women's Week Grants now
Grant applications of up to $50,000 for organisations to host NSW Women's Week events in March 2026 are now open.
NSW Women's Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions women make to our community.
Events must be held within NSW Women's Week, which begins Monday 2 March and ends on International Women's Day, Sunday 8 March. They must also align with the objectives of the NSW Women's Strategy (2023-2026), including:
- increasing opportunities and providing career pathways for women in the workplace
- improving women's health and wellbeing, and safety in the community
- challenging gendered expectations and supporting women's participation in society.
Organisations interested in hosting events that encourage women and girls to participate, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Successful EOIs will be invited to complete a full grant application.
To view the guidelines and submit an EOI, please visit the 2026 NSW Women's Week web page. EOI applications for the NSW Women Week grants close on Tuesday 19 August.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"We all know extraordinary women and girls in our lives and our communities. They're from all walks of life, doing their best to make the world a better place. They might be ground-breaking thinkers, social reformers, innovative role models or just everyday heroes. Help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a NSW Women of the Year Award.
"The NSW Government is keen to work with local organisations to develop events and activities for NSW Women's Week to help celebrate, connect and honour the women and girls in our lives. This annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women across our state is a chance to highlight the incredible creativity and diversity of the fantastic women in New South Wales.
"I encourage organisations to put your heads together and share your ideas with us to help make our 2026 Women's Week the best yet."
